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Monster Media 1996 #15
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SYSOP.DOC
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1996-05-04
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KROZWORD Version 1.30
Program & Design by Alan Deala
Copyright (C) Alan Deala 1996
DISCLAIMER
The author has taken every precaution to insure that no harm
or damage will occur on computer systems operating this package.
Nevertheless, the author shall NOT be held liable for whatever
may happen on your computer system or to any computer systems
which connects to your own as a result of operating this package.
The user assumes full responsibility for the correct operation of
this software package, whether harm or damage results from software
error, hardware malfunction, or operator error. NO warranties are
offered, expressly stated or implied, including without limitation
or restriction any warranties of operation for a particular purpose
and/or merchantability. If you do not agree with this then do NOT
use this program.
LICENSE AGREEMENT
The game program, support files, and documentation are
copyrighted products of the AUTHOR. The AUTHOR reserves all rights
to these products. This is protected by the United States of America
(USA) and International Copyright Laws. In no way shall the
components of the game software package be reproduced
or modified in any form or method without prior expressly written
permission from the AUTHOR.
Tampering with or altering the contents or integrity of the game
software package is prohibited. No fee may be charged by any
agency other than the AUTHOR beyond the cost of distributing
unregistered copies without prior expressly written permission from
the AUTHOR.
The communications portion of this software was written by Scott
Baker and Steven Lorenz. Mr. Baker's Doordriver kit and the changes
made by Mr Lorenz have been used for the communications and
interrupt handling and this part of the software remains
copyrighted by them.
This game is distributed under the Shareware concept. You are
allowed to operate this game for a trial period of thirty (30)
days. After this trial period, you must register the game
or discontinue its usage. Again if you do not agree with this
then do NOT use this game.
INTRODUCTION:
------------
Krozword is a game of crossword puzzle competition that ranks players
on both the accuracy of their answers and on the total number of
correct answers given. The level of difficulty can be adjusted in
several ways by the sysop or players. The sysop determines the number
of chances each player gets to try to answer puzzle clues and whether
or not a correct guess counts against the total number of guesses a
player is allowed per day. The sysop (or the players) can further
adjust the difficulty of the game by putting easy or difficult
crossword puzzles online.
REQUIREMENTS:
------------
At this point in time the only requirements are FILES=10 (or more) in your
config.sys file and ANSI.SYS. SHARE must also be loaded IF you intend to
use the game in a multi-node environment OR under DesqView. The game is
RIP aware but NOT a RIP Game at this time. A FOSSIL is NOT required to run
the game, although one will be supported if it exists. Automatic time
slicing support is provided to most common multi-taskers as well.
Files Included
--------------
Below is a listing of all files for the this Game. Feel free to give
out copies of the ENTIRE archive package of this game but please make
sure all the files below are in that package:
KROZ.BAT - A sample BAT file which runs the game program from the
game directory.
LOCAL.BAT - Batch file for running the game in Local mode
KROZWORD.CFG - Un-edited sample Control file for setting up Krozword.
You MUST edit this to reflect your BBS settings in order
for the game to function properly. This is only a
template.
FILE_ID.DIZ - Ascii Description File for BBS Sysops on Krozword
HISTORY.DOC - Krozword Version History information file
SYSOP.DOC - This text file you are reading
UPGRADE.DOC - Instructions for implementing upgrade to previous version.
KROZWORD.EXE - Krozword Main Program
KWPUZZLE.* - Sample Krozword puzzles
KROZWORD.HLP - Player instructions for playing Krozword
KROZASST.ZIP - A program the players can download to make their own
Krozword puzzles that they can upload.
DOWNLOAD.DAT - A list of download transfer protocols (for downloading
KROZASST.ZIP).
SENDX.BAT - A sample batch file for X-modem downloads
SENDZ.BAT - A sample batch file for Z-modem downloads
PROTOCOL.DAT - A list of upload transfer protocols. Delete or rename
this if you do not want to allow users to upload puzzles
for other players to solve.
RECVX.BAT - A sample batch file for X-modem uploads
RECVZ.BAT - A sample batch file for Z-modem uploads
REGISTER.FRM - Preprinted registration form
Files created by the game when first played:
KROZWORD.USR - Player information
KROZHIGH.ANS - Color ANSI bulletin of high scores
KROZHIGH.ASC - Plain text ASCII bulletin of high scores
Files created by the game when errors are encountered:
ERROR.LOG - Log of system errors which happen during game play.
Installation
------------
--> NOTE: The word "game" is used in place of the program name for
both the executable file (example KROZWORD.EXE), and the CFG
file (Example KROZWORD.CFG) in the documentation from this
point on. The directory that KROZWORD is installed in will
herein after be referred to simply as "GAMEDIR".
1. Create a directory for the game (example: "C:\DOORS\KROZWORD")
2. Make sure that ALL files listed above from the game package
are moved into that directory.
3. Edit you game CFG file (KROZWORD.CFG is included as a sample).
(see the section below for complete info on all options available for
the CFG file).
4. Repeat step #3 for each CFG file needed in a multi-node system.
5. To insure proper multi-node use, DOS SHARE must be loaded prior to
the game and prior to DESQview. (Share should not be required under
Windows or OS/2).
6. In order to run the game program online the following parameters MAY
be used.
"/Bxxxxx" This tells KROZWORD.EXE to lock its baud rate at
xxxxx. In order to get the most efficiency out of a high speed
error correcting modem (9600 baud or above), you may lock the baud
rate to a speed higher than what the caller is actually using.
By locking the baud to say 38,400, the modem can compress text data
that is being sent and achieve a baud rate much higher than the
actual transmission rate. This will lock the baud rate at the same
value for all nodes that use this command line.
If you prefer a more selective way to lock baud use the 'LOCKBAUD'
command in the KROZWORD.CFG file followed by the baud rate.
"/Cx" (where x is 1..4) This specifies a comport number.
Some bbs software does not create door information files (dropfiles)
that contain the comport number. If your bbs does have a comport
listed in the dropfile then there is no need for this parameter.
The default is comport 0, local mode.
"/E" - Expanded Memory Specification If your machine has over one
megabyte of memory, then you may have some available. KROZWORD.EXE can
utilize EMS to improve game performance and reduce conventional
memory requirements.
This command will tell KROZWORD.EXE to use EMS memory to hold its
overlay buffer. Otherwise disc area may be used to hold this buffer.
This needs a memory manager and when enabled and is compatible with
DESQview.
"/L" This tells KROZWORD.EXE to load up in LOCAL mode.
This is good for testing or when a sysop just wants to "try out" the
door without messing with his BBS setup. The "/L" mode will ask the
user for his name and run the door in local mode.
"/Nx" (where x is 1..9) This specifies a "node number".
Some bbs software support multinode environments in which you must
know the node number of the drop file to use. For example, RBBS-PC
uses DORINFOx.DEF. If you specified "/N2" then KROZWORD.EXE would use
DORINFO2.DEF.
"/Pyyy" This specifies the path to the drop files. For example,
"/PC:\BBS\NODE1" would tell KROZWORD.EXE to look for the drop file
in C:\BBS\NODE1. If this is left out the program assumes the drop
file is local.
"/V" This command will tell KROZWORD.EXE not to show any display
on the local screen. Only a colored screen and a message will be
displayed. The cursor will not move as it will be turned off.
Saves a little processing on multi-tasking systems.
"/W" This flags the program that a network is present even
though no multitaskers are detected. This is useful if the door is
run on a network such as Novell that doesn't use multitaskers.
COMMON ERRORS
003 File path not found. Check to make sure the game directory is
correctly named as GAMEDIR.
201 Files not found. Check to make sure that all required games
files are in the GAMEDIR directory.
7. Install the door into your BBS software (see your BBS software
documentation for more information). A batch file is normally used
to do this. To run the program just have your batch file change to
the GAMEDIR directory and run KROZWORD.EXE followed by the name of
your CFG file and, optionally, the /P command to tell Krozword where
to find the drop file - Thats all there is to it! A batch file
sample is included to help you run the game. This is included with
the game for editing and your use. The following are a couple of
examples:
Sample Batch File 1
(copying the drop file into the KROZWORD directory)
-------------------
COPY DORINFOx.DEF \RBBS\DOORS\KROZWORD\*.*
CD \RBBS\DOORS\KROZWORD
KROZWORD KROZx.CFG /Nx
del DORINFOx.DEF
CD \WC30
-=*=- Please note that you replace the "x" with the appropriate node
number. Ex: Dorinfo1.def ; Dorinfo2.def ; etc...
Sample Batch File 2
(leaving the drop file in place)
-------------------
C:
CD \BBS\DOORS\KROZWORD
KROZWORD KROZWORD.CFG /PC:\BBS\NODE1
CD \BBS
THE CFG FILE OPTIONS
--------------------
The following options can appear in the CFG file in any order. One keyword
can be used per line and all keywords must begin at the start of the line.
"{}" designates required options, "[]" designates optional options,
"|" designates that you should choose ONE of the listed options
KEYWORD OPTIONS COMMENTS
------------------------------------------------------------------
SYSOPFIRST {name} Sysop's First Name
SYSOPLAST {name} Sysop's Last Name
BBSNAME {name} BBS Name
BBSTYPE {bbstype*} One of the BBS types *(see below)
SYSOPSEC {number} Sysop's security level
GUESSES {number} Number of guesses allowed per day
COUNTALL {YES | NO} Count correct guesses against
total # of guesses allowed per day?
STATUS {ON | OFF} Designate status line on or off
FOSSIL Force fossil driver on
XFOSSIL Force extended fossil driver on
LOCKBAUD {baudrate} Lock the baud at the specified rate
PORT1 {port address} {irq} Specify Com port 1 address & IRQ
(only necessary for non-standard
port settings)
PORT2 {port address} {irq} Specify Com port 2 address & IRQ
PORT3 {port address} {irq} Specify Com port 3 address & IRQ
PORT4 {port address} {irq} Specify Com port 4 address & IRQ
STATFORE {colornumber} Foreground color of the status line
(0-15)
STATBACK {colornumber} Background color of the status line
(0-7)
MAXTIME {minutes} Maximum time allowed in door
COLOR Force color mode
MONO Force mono mode
COMPORT {portnumber} Force com port #
----------------
BBSTYPES:
OPTION Comment
------ -----------------------------------
LOCAL Local mode
QUICK Quick BBS (Dorinfox.def)
PCB12 PCBoard version 1.2 (PCBoard.Sys)
PCB14 PCBoard version 1.4 (PCBoard.Sys)
PCB15 PCBoard version 1.5 (PCBoard.Sys)
WWIV WWIV (Chain.txt)
RBBS RBBS (Dorinfox.def)
PHOENIX Phoenix (info.bbs)
CALLINFO Wildcat (callinfo.bbs)
DOORSYS Generic DOOR.SYS
SPITFIRE Spitfire (SFDOORS.DAT)
2AM 2 A.M. (Jumper.Dat)
TRIBBS TriBBS (TriBBS.Sys)
----------------
RESTRICTIONS ON THE UNREGISTERED GAME
-------------------------------------
Until the game is registered the following restrictions are in effect:
a. There can be only 5 krozword puzzles online at a time to choose
from.
b. There will be a slight delay experienced by players at the beginning of
the game.
BENEFITS OF A REGISTERED GAME
-----------------------------
a. Virtually unlimited number of puzzles to choose from.
b. No delay upon entering the game.
c. Your name (or the name of the user who paid to register the door)
will show to all the players upon entering the game.
d. You will be able to download and use "Puzzle Packs" from my web
site that are only available to registered users!
e. You will be encouraging me to further improve this game and to
create more quality games like it.
f. Any future updates are free!
WHAT TO DO IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS
--------------------------------
Every effort is made to ensure that the game runs correctly before it leaves
my BBS as Shareware. You should read ALL the documents first. If you
still have a problem or question, you can write to me at any of the
address listed in the "Where to Reach Me" section below.
Multinode use
-------------
This game supports multinode use and provides automatic multi-tasker
support (time slice releasing) for a wide variety of multi-taskers.
Common Problems (Locked Bauds, High Speed modems, etc)
------------------------------------------------------
1. The game does NOT require a fossil driver to run.
2. If you are running a high speed modem (9600 baud or above), then I
suggest you run your bbs/mailer/doors at a locked baud rate. On high
speed error correcting modems, locking the baud rate will have a
noticeable increase on the speed of text that is sent. It's beyond
the scope of this document to discuss configuring your BBS and
mailer for a locked baud rate; you may wish to consult those docs
for information on that. Here are a few things to keep in mind when
setting up KROZWORD with a locked baud rate:
a. When using a locked baud rate, I highly recommend using a FOSSIL
driver. This game will work at high speeds without one though.
BNU is a good fossil driver which can even be loaded and unloaded
before and after you run this game.
b. If you are using a fossil, then make sure to tell the fossil
that the port is locked. For BNU, to lock com1: at 38,400, you
would use something like "L0=38400" on BNU's command line.
c. If you lock the baud for one program, it must be locked
for everything. You can't lock the baud for just this game, but
not your BBS/mailer.
d. You may need to use the /B switch on the KROZWORD.EXE Command line
to specify the locked baud rate. For 19,200 this would be "/B19200"
and for 38,400 this would be "/B38400". Please note there is no
space between the "/B" and the baud rate and there are no
commas in the speed number.
3. What follows is some information on possible strange situations
that may occur:
a. Low speed users can play the game, but high speed users get
garbage.
- If you are not using the DORINFOx.DEF or DOOR.SYS drop file
then you may wish to find a converter program to convert
whatever drop file your BBS produces to the DORINFOx.DEF
or DOOR.SYS format and tell KROZWORD.EXE to use that.
Several converter programs are readily available on most
BBS systems. CallDoor is a good one if you can find it.
b. The game hangs up when a user enters the game.
- Sounds like the game is getting the wrong baud rate somehow.
Try switching over to the DOOR.SYS drop file method
if possible.
c. Text and screens are getting cut off.
- If you are running with a locked baud, then this could
be caused by some sort of FLOW CONTROL problem. Try using
a fossil if you aren't already.
d. If you're using something other than the DOOR.SYS drop file,
then I always suggest trying to use DOOR.SYS if possible. It is
the most reliable method and has had the most testing. If that
is not possible try DORINFOx.DEF as an alternative.
e. A door locks up node 1. This can happen with fossils or the
internal communications routines because it uses the default
comport of 1 when NONE is found in the dropfile or KROZWORD.CFG
file. To correct this make sure the right port is shown in
the dropfile OR KROZWORD.CFG file.
f. ANSI is reflected correctly on the local screen but the user
is getting garbage. Assuming the user has ANSI installed then
most likely the problem is at your end. First make sure you
have configured the KROZWORD.CFG file to show the correct locked
port rate. Second make sure the dropfile is passing the locked
port rate INSTEAD of the actual connect rate. If it is not
passing the locked port rate then you may need to use a
different dropfile format OR use a dropfile converter program
to change the line to show the locked port rate INSTEAD of
the actual connect rate.
CREDITS:
--------
This relatively small section is just to recognize the GOOD people
who have made this DDPLUS based game a possibility.
Alan Deala -=*=- The author of Krozwords, who used the combined
work of all those listed below to make this
game possible.
Vel Selvan -=*=- Thanks for your patience! You have undoubtedly
(Beta Tester) won the prize for finding the most bugs
and coming up with the most suggestions that
have been incorporated into the game.
8 Baller -=*=- The reason why I switched over to DDPLUS
(Beta Tester) as my door routines of choice! He really
found some elusive bugs.
Scott Baker -=*=- The authors of the original DoorDriver Kit
and are to be thanked for releasing the
Derrick Parkhurst source code to their great kit!
Steven Lorenz -=*=- The author of the enhanced add on package
to Scott Bakers DoorDriver Kit.
Bob Dalton -=*=- The author of most of the DDPLus documentation
and contributor of the MISC.PAS and INITOVER.PAS
units used in the game.
DESQview is a registered trademark of Quarterdeck Office Systems.
Ripscript & Ripterm are registered trademarks of TeleGrafix Communications.
Where to reach me
-----------------
sirobis@ix.netcom.com
or
http://www.calweb.com/~logon
or
Alan Deala
P.O. Box 418303
Sacramento, CA 95841-8303
Registration
------------
If you or your users enjoy this game, then please register it.
Registration is only $5.00 and you get a key code by mail which will
disable the delay, allow players to have more choices, and entitle
youo to unlimited free updates and upgrades (not like some door game
authors who charge for major upgrades/updates!) through my web site.
To register this game just print out the registration form
(REGISTER.FRM) file included with the game and send it with your
check or money order for $5.00 made payable to "Alan Deala" to:
Alan Deala
PO Box 418303
Sacramento, CA 95841-8303
Reminder: You will be mailed a LETTER (or e-mail) with your
registration code. Just allow an appropriate amount of time (a week
or two) after dropping your check in the mail for it to arrive to me
and the code to be sent by mail back to you. If you live in NORTH
AMERICA I can also send your key via Netmail, if you would like,
through the FIDO system. You can also choose the option of having it
sent via Internet e-mail. REMINDER: No disks are sent, if you need
the most current version you must visit my web site.
Bug Reports/Comments/Suggestions
--------------------------------
I have made every attempt to make sure the game is free of bugs, BUT the
possibility always exists that one may have been missed by me or the
playtesters. If you find a bug, or have a suggestion or comment to make
which would make future versions better please send it to me at one of
the address listed above. I read ALL of them and those people
that lead me to find a bug or generate a better game will receive credit in
the game documentation.